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In 14dn, could the direction be the 4th letter, with the remaining word representing d (beginning to drop), a conventional abbreviation for dead? That would give you "in this way". A bit tenuous, I know.

Ah, thank you Tinieleek - I had that word in my long list of possibilities but did not think of the middle bit as a 9!

Sorry about the spelling of your name, T.

thanks Sid48, annoyed that i missed the anagram.
thanks also Nikki, all clear now on 23a. i think i have the same answers as others to 24d and 30a but just can't square them off (along with 14d).

No idea how to explain 24 except sounds like "a scene" like fuss - but that is obviously nonsense so look forward to a better explanation. 14 I also thought was a "sounds like" - last five letters. Clutching at straws - me?

that's the best explanation i've seen Peterm, i'll have to run with that before my head explodes.

Thanks, prospero for your analysis of 14D. The six-letter 9 seems to work. Now onto those other hints.

Yes Prospero that's it for 14, best so far.

trevor - thanks for 30 - was thinking of the 9 in the wrong way. I think the "meat" is there because you wouldn't want to preserve the whole 30 (unless you were Damien Hirst).

I think the dfiniition of 30a is the first 5 words.